I like the SA80

[Brit plumber]

Let's not even discuss the Nimrod MR4A!

The problem here was the governments timing. They cancelled the contract just as all the problems had been fixed. The MR4 had brand new wings which were built to fine tolerances with 21st century engineering. The old fuselages were built with 1950 technology using wooden jigs and then we wonder why things wouldn't fit.

So we buy ex USAF Boeing tankers (in mothball) and turn them into Rivet Joint. An aircraft that has cost more than Nimrod and has air worthiness issues with the MAA because of the frames dubious history. I've only seen the one flying and I'm only 12 miles from Waddo.

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[mrclark303]

The problem here was the governments timing. They cancelled the contract just as all the problems had been fixed. The MR4 had brand new wings which were built to fine tolerances with 21st century engineering. The old fuselages were built with 1950 technology using wooden jigs and then we wonder why things wouldn't fit.

So we buy ex USAF Boeing tankers (in mothball) and turn them into Rivet Joint. An aircraft that has cost more than Nimrod and has air worthiness issues with the MAA because of the frames dubious history. I've only seen the one flying and I'm only 12 miles from Waddo.

There's so much to say about MR4 programme we could start a whole new forum never mind a thread...!

I was given a rare insider insight into​ the MR4 by one of the BAe Systems engineering staff (nothing commercially sensitive) involved in that programme.

Things started badly right off the bat (common sense thrown out with the rubbish) it was suggested at an early stage that some of the original engineering staff involved with Nimrod be consulted on the viability of the rebuild.

Senior management refused outright, so the whole programme got off on a very wrong foot... I thought that was a telling mistake ...

As the difficulties mounted, the fixed price contract could only be made to work by reducing the numbers, going from 21 to 16 to 12 and eventually only 9 ...

Had these aircraft actually been delivered I think maintaining such a small fleet of 9 aircraft as time went by, would have got progressively more difficult and expensive.

Still, a dreadful sight seeing the MR4's being scrapped at Woodford.